NEW EXHIBIT AT GOURGAUD GALLERY – “JOURNEYS”

NEW EXHIBIT AT GOURGAUD GALLERY – “JOURNEYS”

By Bob Gilbert

This month’s (April) exhibit at the Gourgaud Gallery is called “Journeys” featuring the photographs of New Jersey native Lauren Curtis. 

Lauren has traveled extensively and offers these photographs as a representation of some captivating scenes she has encountered during her “Journeys”.  They include shots of architecture, people, and nature.  Some interesting examples:

“Budapest Views” consists of two photos of classic architecture from Budapest.  The bridge captured in one of the photos surprisingly reminds me of the Brooklyn Bridge and its surroundings.

“Amsterdam Nights” is a set of three photos of night life in the city.  The darkness of the night is pierced by the lights of the city, captured in eerie fashion.

“Budapest Fiddler” is a touching study of a working street musician. 

“Grand Canyon Family” is a photo of a Native American family.  It has a universal family feel to it.

“Barcelona Church” captures the warmth and grandeur of the interior of a beautiful church.

 A little bit about the artist:  Lauren has formal art training (BFA from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers, 1988), and avidly pursues fine art (photography and painting) and commercial art (illustrations, portraits, graphic designs, and jewelry).

When I met Lauren at the opening of her exhibit on April 3, I asked what advice she would offer to budding artists and photographers.  Her response – show your work as much as possible, network with others in the field, and “keep at it”.  Sounds like good advice that can be applied to many endeavors!

“Journeys” runs from April 3 – April 25 (closed Easter Sunday) at the Gourgaud Gallery, Cranbury, New Jersey.  All are encouraged to attend.

More information about Lauren may be found on her websites:

www.laurencurtisart.com and http://www.laurencurtisartmosaicglobe.com/

 

                                                             “Grand Canyon Family”                             

THANK YOU: RE: GALA (MARCH 26,2011)

THANK YOU:  RE: GALA (MARCH 26,2011)

Post from Amy Amico (CAC President)

On Saturday, March 26, the Cranbury Arts Council celebrated its 2011 Spring Gala at the Crown Plaza in Monroe. This event was the major fundraiser for the CAC and many people helped to make it a wonderful occasion. The CAC has been reinvigorated with many new members who believe in the mission set in place over ten years ago by two women who set out to save the music program at the Cranbury School, Sue Leson and Marty Hayden. From its early beginnings, the organization has built upon its principles to remain an all-volunteer non-profit that supports and shares the arts with the community. The Middlesex County Youth Shelter Arts Program, The Gourgaud Gallery, The Art & Technology Camp, Art in the Park, Cranstock Music Festival, Scholarships, Art Workshops, Winter Theatre Camp and many other community events held throughout the year are possible because of our members who Chair and join the committees as true volunteers and make these CAC programs happen.

Joanne Hanson, Past President and Chairperson for the Gala, along with Gala committee members Karen Callahan, Jill Gabriello, Penny Lecky, Grace Thompson and CAC Treasurer Kerrie Liggio, organized the Gala and created a fabulous evening. Along with the Gourgaud Gallery committee, who organized the Silent Art Auction, the Gala Committee presented many great offerings in the Silent Auction that helped raise the money that keeps all of these programs available to the community.

The last CAC Gala was held four years ago and even though we live in a different economic climate, the CAC organization wishes to thank those who attended, bid on items, worked behind the scenes with their time and talents and all of the families and local businesses that donated items to the Silent Auction as well as the sponsors who offered very generous cash donations. To those who could not attend, but still sent in their donations to support us, we thank you as well.

Cranbury is a generous community and those who took part in our fundraiser are to be commended for your community involvement and your appreciation for the arts and its importance in our lives. Art, music, theatre, dance and all forms of creative expression are what make us see, hear and feel beauty in our lives and should never be taken for granted. The Cranbury Arts Council is a treasure in our community and I am proud to be a part of it. Along with my fellow Board members, VP Colleen Cahill, Secretary  Cyndy Coppotelli, and Treasurer Kerrie Liggio, we offer many thanks to all those who volunteer in this organization. Because of these true volunteers, I believe the CAC will thrive and continue to be an organization that follows its mission to keep the arts alive and well in Cranbury well into the future.

Thank you Cranbury,

Amy Amico

CAC President